The Presence and Population Growth of Tomato Moth, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick), on Greenhouse-Grown Tomatoes in Konya Province

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), a serious pest of tomatoes, is a new pest for Turkey. Although being a new pest, it has rapidly spread in Turkey in a short time and caused serious damages on tomatoes grown both in open fields and in protected areas. In this survey study carried out in tomato greenhouses in Konya province in 2010 and 2011, T. absoluta damage was determined on the leaves and fruits of tomato plants. The population growth of this pest was also followed using pheromone traps. It was concluded that, if the population of T. absoluta is decreased in early growing season by pheromone traps, the damage by this pest can be prevented significantly.